Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Kiprich records tribute to St Lucian crash victims



(via The Jamaica Star)

International recording artiste Kiprich has recorded a sentimental song 'Lighter' as a tribute to the families of 17 persons who lost their lives in a bus accident in the island of St Lucia, regarded as the worst accident in the history of the Eastern Caribbean island.

"I read about the accident on the Internet and I was so moved by the plight of the St Lucian people and this horrible tragedy ... to lose 17 peopleon such a small island, it hurt my heart. So I went to the studio same time and asked Jam 2 to build a rhythm and we recorded the song, Lighter," Kiprich said in a release.

The song has been in regular heavy rotation on HOT FM since its release, as St Lucia observed three days of national mourning following last Thursday evening's accident. The accident occurred in the Choiseul community of Morne Sion around 7:45 p.m. Police said a bus driven by 47-year-old Michael Alexander of Micoud veered off the road and plunged off a cliff into the sea, killing 17 people including an infant and a pregnant woman. Occupants of the bus were reportedly making their way home from a wake in the community of Delcer in Choiseul.

"People have been sending me messages in my Facebook inbox, saying that they have been crying when they hear the song on the radio which has been doing a powerplay with the song.

"The St Lucians who I spoke with say they have it on repeat in their cars and on their Facebook and it is all over Twitter.

"I really feel their pain and hope that in time, their souls will be healed but this is a lot to go through for such a small nation," Kiprich said.

The government ordered that all flags on government buildings and business places be flown at half mast, and all political and public social events be suspended during the period of national mourning from last Friday to Sunday. November 13was also declared a national day of remembrance in the island.



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Vybz Kartel refused bail



Resident Magistrate Opal Smith, today rejected a bail application filed by attorneys representing caged deejay Vybz Kartel. The magistrate did not immediately give her reason for refusing bail but said she would do so in 24 hours.

Kartel was seeking bail relating to the murder of Barrington 'Bossie' Bryan for which he is charged.

He also faces charges of conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with Bryan's killing. Bryan was shot as he stood among a group of persons in Gregory Park, St Catherine earlier this year.

Kartel and his fashion stylist Calvin Haye are also charged with the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams, who police say was stabbed and shot to death over a missing illegal firearm. Williams' body has not been found.

He will return to court to answer to that charge tomorrow.

The deejay is being represented by attorneys Tom Tavares-Finson, his son Christian and Michael Deans.